Singapore Dimensions Math KA/KB flip-through

Hey friends! I wanted to show you all more details of the Singapore Dimensions math curriculum that I am using for my 6 year old son. We love the program! Please comment below with any thoughts or questions.
Link to previous Kindergarten math comparison video: • Kindergarten Math Curr...
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[@tiffanylegato6796]

Love seeing a video on Dimensions Math (there aren't many videos reviews on the curriculum). We are finishing up their PreK (4 year old) and the K (6 year old) in our homeschool and we've really enjoyed it! We're looking forward to the next level in the Fall!

[@sciencemama]

Mae Legato It’s great to hear from other families that use it, I love the curriculum - my son is just now working with number bonds (KB) and he thinks it is great 😀.

[@EjKep]

Thank you so much for this video and the previous one! They were both VERY helpful and helped to cement my decision about using Singapore Dimensions with my upcoming kindergartener.

[@sciencemama]

So glad it was helpful :)

[@missrachelk81]

Thank you! I’m a new homeschooler & really appreciate your reviews.

[@sciencemama]

Oh good, I am glad they have been helpful!

[@numbersandstars]

Thank you for this video! We really need more videos for Dimensions Math :) New suscriber here!

[@sciencemama]

Of Numbers and Stars You’re welcome! I agree there needs to be more videos on Dimensions ... I will keep making them as I work through the levels 😀

[@s.t.5389]

Curious - Why did you choose Singapore Dimensions over Primary? I am familiar with Primary and used 1A and 1B a few years back.

[@sciencemama]

Sherri Thomas Honestly, I was thinking of using Primary but then I had a friend using Dimensions and she was really liking it. So I looked into it a bit more and really liked it so I decided to go that direction. I didn’t do any serious research comparing the two programs - but I’m really happy with dimensions so far 😀

[@merieaero8881]

Thank you so much for reviewing this program, i would love to know if your son had any background on math before starting KA dimensions?

[@sciencemama]

I actually made a video of our journey through a number of math programs his Kindergarten year ... here is the link if that is of interest: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eILLg2toaqmqac0 But we didn't do anything prior to kindergarten and I would say that KA starts really gently!

[@juliequates9529]

Any thoughts on the Masterbooks living math? I haven't figured out what style my son leans towards but I felt like we didn't get a lot out of this Singapore KB... maybe I didn't add on as much of the manipulative ideas as you did. But I've been liking what I've seen on master books. I just appreciate your thoughts

[@sciencemama]

Julie Quates I’ve heard really good things about Master Books and if he doesn’t seem to be retaining the concepts with Dimensions, I would definitely switch and find a good sweet spot for him! Every kiddo is different - that is one reason I love homeschooling!!

[@jorobert19]

@@sciencemama Masterbooks math is another curriculum I'm looking at. Singapore Math curriculum is a little out of our budget right now. Maybe next year. In your opinion, can kids transition well to Singapore Math from other math programs or would they have to start from Singapore Math's K level? Thanks.

[@sciencemama]

JR I think Kindergarten is a very forgiving year - we went through 3 curricula before finding what worked well for my son. Do you could easily hop into 1st grade - I would just double check the scope and sequences of the two programs. Also, have you tried to buy used - I was able to find most of what I needed for primary math used, dimensions might be harder but worth a shot!

[@jorobert19]

@@sciencemama I saw quite a few used Primary Math books online but not Dimensions unfortunately. Thanks.

[@sciencemama]

JR Yeah, that was my experience with trying to find used Dimensions resources as well - sadly!

[@leahkuqo]

Hi KZbin friend!! I am thinking of switching from Saxon to Singapore. I “testing” my son and he falls into B rather than A of a grade. Do you feel it would be beneficial to still start at A? Math is his strength thus far. Also, why did you chose dimensions rather than their primary program? Thank you I’m advance for your time and consideration.

[@sciencemama]

I think if he is gifted in math, you would be just fine to start with KB rather than KA ... but I bet you could easily find the scope and sequence for KA just to double check. Initially, I picked Dimensions because Primary doesn't start until 1st grade ... so I am having my 5 year old daughter start with KA this year. I decided to switch for my son in 1st grade because Dimensions was originally written for the class room, so there are small and large group activities and the assumption of fully stocked manipulatives. From what I understand Primary is very similar to Dimensions in how they teach and what order they teach the concepts in - it is just geared towards the homeschool teacher. At least that is my hope, I'm finishing out KB with my son and will switch to Primary shortly. Hope that helps - I've had the most trouble finding a math program that works for my son!

[@jessriffel]

I appreciate the way you explained this and the build your library level 0 video. I have a 5 year old, 4 year old and 5 month old and am thinking of homeschooling next year because of the coronavirus. And it's something I've been interested in looking into anyways. I feel your choices resonate with me and the way I would hopefully like to do things. Could you make a video discussing an overview of the curriculums you use and how your days go? Trying to put it all together and there is so much information out there it's confusing.

[@sciencemama]

Jessica Riffel I’m so excited for you - BYL level 0 will be perfect for your kiddos ages! Yep, both of those requests are videos I’m planning for sometime in June! I’m am in serious homeschool planning mode right now but I’ve narrowed most everything down. I will definitely be sharing my plan for our schedule but I would have to say that is the one thing that is always changing! I started homeschooling when my oldest was 4.5 and my twins were 6 months - we did a lot of school during morning naps ... but now the twins sleep when the big kids quiet time, so we have to do school while they are awake. Which I would say is the most unpredictable part of my day 🤦‍♀️. Anyway looking forward to sharing more homeschooling stuff. Feel free to reach out with any questions as you plan ... Instagram might be easier!

[@SakinaCrafts]

Hi. Do you know what’s the difference between dimensions and primary? Thank you for the video, it was hard to find a review on dimensions.

[@sciencemama]

A Home Full Of Barakah To my understanding they are very similar programs but the Dimensions has extra small and large group activities. I believe the Dimensions program was designed for classrooms as where Primary is geared more towards homeschool. I ended up switching to Primary for 1st grade for my son and explain it a bit more in my curriculum video. But I’m hoping to get a comparison video up after a few months of using it 😀

[@SakinaCrafts]

Science Mama Thank you for that description. Very helpful to know that. :) I look forward to the video.

[@BiancaSantos-ys3mi]

@@sciencemama I look forward to seeing a comparison video because I was wondering the same thing. Thanks for doing this video. It is SO helpful to see what is inside before making a big commitment and purchase.

[@sciencemama]

Bianca Santos Good, I’m glad it was helpful!!

[@juliea8972]

It seems like there's no kindergarten curiculum for primary mathematics. Could a kindergartener use primary mathematics 1A and 1B? Or is that for 1st grade?

[@sciencemama]

Hi! That was my issue when I was looking for Kindergarten math as well - which is why we settled on Dimensions. I'm thinking I will like the format of Primary better but I'm not worried about switching between Dimensions and Primary because I know they both follow a similar scope and sequence - so it will be an easy transition!

[@juliea8972]

@@sciencemama thank you for your response! Do you think any math curiculum for K would be okay to use before starting primary? Or if our goal is to use primary mathematics, are there only select curiculums that we should lean towards?

[@JuliWilliams]

This was so so helpful! Thank you 🙌🏼

[@5kidhomeschool817]

I’ve watched these before, but it’s been awhile, and I’m gonna back and watch again...but have you used both primary and dimensions math from Singapore? And if so, which do you like better and why? Or do you think it matters? I’m heavily debating going with Singapore next year for my youngest for kinder, and was gonna go for dimensions, but then I joined a fb group for homeschoolers using it and saw a comparison so now I’m not sure. 😬 it said something about dimensions being a follow up of primary and that they teach the concepts differently. I know about the extra books for primary and how the dimensions layout and such is different but thinking more about it’s taught and learned! TIA!

[@5kidhomeschool817]

Also, did you use the PreK dimensions also or no?

[@sciencemama]

Hi! I didn’t use the preK dimensions - we just did some basic math stuff (Katie Snow Preschool Math book). I haven’t started Primary 1A yet because we were finishing up KB. To my understanding the scope and sequence is similar between the programs but the main differences being dimensions was developed for the classroom (ie group activities and assumption of classroom manipulatives). And primary was developed more for homeschool families - but I haven’t used it so I’m not quite sure. I’m using dimensions for my 5 year old this year - I think it’s a good program! I will keep you posted on Primary - we should be staring in about a month 😀. Hope that helps!!

[@AllAboutE1128]

Thank you so much for the video. Is this program geared towards classrooms like dimensions level 1? I watched your comparison video and I saw that you said it was more for classrooms but I’m wondering if that only changes as the grade goes up.

[@sciencemama]

No, this one is also geared towards classrooms, but the math is so basic it didn't bother me to adjust for homeschool. I have since switched both kids at 1st grade to Singapore Primary Math.

[@seemajhaveri]

Thank you for posting this video, it was very helpful. We are new to Singapore Math and homeschooling. We are starting with KA soon and wanted to understand how long would it take to complete KA and KB?

[@sciencemama]

I'm almost done with KB for my son and I would say it took about 6 months ... but we started him after doing a couple of other K programs, so he breezed through KA. I'm starting KA now with my daughter who is 5 and she does a lesson a day (both textbook and workbook). Hope that helps!

[@sandraruiz4737]

am looking at this program for my 6 year old. We currently use MuS but it’s moving too fast it goes from units, tens, hundreds. My daughter has not been able to understand that concept. After supplementing many times, we are making a switch. How do you feel dimension does with place value introduction? She does well with units, addition, subtraction. Is that the sequence this follows?

[@sciencemama]

We didn't get to place value, so I'm not quite sure for Dimensions ... I have liked how Saxon covers it so far!

[@zoen9137]

Did you find the amount of materials needed or amount of optional activities overwhelming? I’ve heard that the kindergarten dimensions has lots of different activities so I’m wondering if you felt like you needed to spend time planning for each lesson. Thank you for the review! I’m trying to decide between this and the primary Singapore math.

[@sciencemama]

Zoe N Hi! I feel like it would have definitely felt overwhelming to plan everything in advance - my gameplan was to run through the lessons making sure to at least do something hands on. Then if he seemed to struggle I looked more closely at the activities! Honestly I’m thinking of switching to the Primary edition for 1st grade because it looks a bit more straightforward... we didn’t end up doing most of the small or large group activities. Haha, I will plan to do an update after switching for a couple of months- hopefully that was still helpful!

[@zoen9137]

@@sciencemama that is really helpful! The primary edition definitely looks more straight forward for homeschooling and I like that the standards edition is still in color too! I’m looking forward to hearing your review about it since I’m torn between dimensions and primary.

[@sciencemama]

Zoe N I picked up the Primary Mathematics US Edition for my son for 1st grade ... my curriculum videos are going up not next week but the one after! I think I will plan a comparison for the dimensions and primary mid-fall ... just to give us enough time! I would love to hear what you end up going with 😀

[@Lfolkerts42]

Science Mama I would LOVE that!! I’m trying to decide between dimensions and primary for my kids for next year. (First time homeschooling). Can you give me the cliffs notes version comparison? Does primary still have a strong emphasis on mental math?

[@sciencemama]

Lisa Folkerts Hi! From what I can understand the programs are really very similar - in scope and sequence as well as general strategy for learning. Both are said to be great for mental math. Both use something concrete to introduce a concept. I think the differences are mostly in the different group activities... the Dimensions program is geared towards a teacher having students to divide up and typical classroom manipulatives to use. Hopefully that helps!

[@emilyklinkhammer8556]

This video was quite helpful! From your other video comparing kindergarten math programs, Dimensions sounds up my alley. However, would you have any suggestions for manipulatives to go along with Dimensions since it doesn't include any? Is there a suggested supplies list from Singapore to view before purchasing the program? We live abroad currently so I would probably have to order the supplies I need from the US. That is my one concern about this program.

[@SelestialAlchemy]

Emily Klinkhammer I was just on their website today, and saw they do have a list of manipulatives. I hope this is helpful! www.singaporemath.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/DM-Manipulatives-by-Book.pdf

[@emilyklinkhammer8556]

@@SelestialAlchemy Thank you! I missed that.

[@SelestialAlchemy]

Emily Klinkhammer no problem! I had missed it myself the first couple of times I was on there :)

[@sciencemama]

Emily Klinkhammer Hi! I’m glad you found the link to a manipulatives list! I’m actually planning to share the manipulatives we have used for Dimensions in an upcoming video - so stay tuned for that!!

[@annevalentine3371]

@@sciencemama Hi there, I'm also curious as to necessary manipulatives...the long list on the Singapore website is expensive and seems unnecessary? Wondering which ones to invest in?

[@kerieubank7400]

Your video is so helpful!! I have a rising kindergartner this year. It's our first year homeschooling too. She placed into KB. Do you think there is any foundational stuff for the program both teaching and for her we would really miss if we started at KB? She breezed through the placement test and really only needs to work on writing numbers. Her handwriting isn't caught up to her math skills. Thanks so much for your input as a Mom who has done this before!

[@sciencemama]

Keri Eubank Hi! I think you can definitely start with KB, but I think there is a scope and sequence posted on the Singapore website if you want to check! If not you might be able to pause my video and look at the topics covered in KA. Good luck!

[@kerieubank7400]

@@sciencemama Thank you so much for your reply! I checked out the scope and sequence and it looks just right for where she is. I will just add in some extra number writing practice.

[@sciencemama]

Keri Eubank That sounds like a really good plan!!

[@sydneyhk1]

Great flip through thank you

[@HerDailyJourney]

This is so helpful! I'm currently considering changing to this though we're a little over midyear.

[@sciencemama]

It is a wonderful program ... we have really enjoyed it!

[@cheriseouyang5236]

Have you tried the PreK level? I’m trying to decide between Pre K and Kindergarten. He definitely answered almost all the questions correctly on the placement test for KA and KB but I don’t want to miss vital information that may be in PreKA and PreKB.

[@sciencemama]

Hi! We didn't do preK ... but I feel like the level K was pretty gentle, especially KA!

[@AKiHope]

Do you know if there's a pacing guide for Dimensions Math? We've switched math curricula a fair number of times. I'm interested in Dimensions Math, but I would want to make sure I knew exactly how to carry it out in order to complete a full level in one school year. Thanks!

[@sciencemama]

4yoyou I’ve seen scope and sequence list but not any pacing guides! I’m a part of a Facebook group for Singapore math - that might be a great place to ask this question and get multiple perspectives on how long it takes to complete a level!

[@AKiHope]

@@sciencemama Thanks!

[@michelletravers1275]

Is there a great deal of reading for the student? My to be kindergartener doesn’t read large words yet, but excels at math concepts. Would you suggest just reading the written numbers for them in order for them to get an idea of what the written number looks like?

[@sciencemama]

No there really isn't any reading - my son can't read on his own yet ... so I work with him on instructions, etc. As for the written numbers, such as "one", I believe that you work with it enough that it becomes almost like a sight word that they recognize more than actually read, if that makes sense.

[@happyhome962]

If I need to choose one between parent guide and textbook which one would you advise. Planning to get workbook + parent guide/text book

[@sciencemama]

happy home Textbook is more important! The parent guide is helpful for activities or ideas for making the concept more concrete - which I really like! Although I didn’t always use the group activities.

[@Sparkalab]

We just found your video and I'm glad we did. My daughter is 5 y/o and transitioning from a Montessori school into homeschooling. I tried to find a program where manipulatives are used and landed on Singapore as I've heard so many great things. Are there ways to add more manipulatives into each lesson? Does Singpore Dimensions give examples of these? Thank you again for posting these videos. I find them very helpful

[@sciencemama]

I'm glad it was helpful! Yes, you can definitely add more manipulatives to the program ... especially during the explore section, the first section where your child is using concrete objects to introduce the topic. It would be very easy to spend more time there before moving on to the learning section. I'm not sure if Singapore actually gives a list, but I would imagine any math manipulative could be used. I hope that helps!

[@mariahbrown354]

I’m also in the same boat. My 5 yr old son is also transitioning from a Montessori school to homeschooling for kindergarten. A friend recommended this curriculum to me so I searched it up and stumbled across your video. Very helpful. I’ve been confused if I should go ahead with a curriculum or continue with Montessori style learning at home.

[@sciencemama]

Mariah Brown Montessori is a wonderful style of homeschooling - I’ve always been drawn to it. Although it is VERY manipulatives heavy which makes it tougher to pull off at home. You might like a Charlotte Mason style - have you heard of that?

[@mariahbrown354]

Science Mama It is a bit tricky and not to mention expensive unless your crafty and can make your own manipulatives. I have heard of Charlotte Mason but haven’t done much research. Any book recommendations?

[@sciencemama]

Mariah Brown I love all the Montessori manipulatives - so colorful, but so expensive! I feel like The Charlotte Mason Companion is pretty easy to read but I probably like A Literary Education the best. Although it has a secular bent, it is really practical and more modern - some of the issues with Charlotte Mason is that everything seems really antiquated!

[@physhtailswims2169]

What foundation is needed for a a child to start this program? My son can label colors, shapes, count to 42, recognize and label 1-5, count quantity up to 10.

[@sciencemama]

Physhtail Swims I think he would be more than capable to jump into KA/KB. Those concepts are taught/ reviewed. How old is your son? Singapore in general is know to be challenging or at least to advance quickly.

[@physhtailswims2169]

@@sciencemama Thank you for your response! He'll be 4 and 5 monthes when/if we start. He's a very hands on learner which is what attracted me to the K Dimensions curriculum. I still want him to enjoy learning therefore, we dont want him to "burn out."

[@sciencemama]

Physhtail Swims Singapore does have some earlier programs but he might be ready for KA/KB ... I would just recommend being really flexible and making sure to pull back if he starts pushing back 😀

[@physhtailswims2169]

@@sciencemama I saw they have a PreK program, but he knows most of the concepts being covered. I ordered the K Dimensions Curriculum and plan to go slow and steady. I want to make sure to follow his lead. I like that it has many activity and literature suggestions. It seems very hands one, which is how my little one learns best.

[@sciencemama]

Physhtail Swims I think it sounds like you have a wonderful plan! I would love to hear how it works out for you 😀

[@mymalayaper3766]

If someone like to know if there’s a version of Kinder for Primary. Yes, It’s called Early Kindergarten. Btw, I’m still debating which way to go. Primary or Dimensions?

[@sciencemama]

I will let people know, thank you! Good luck, both are great programs!

[@azmathfarzana1654]

I don't see much information about Singapore math ,thank you so much for sharing information. had a doubt, i see three different singapore math books for Kindergarten in their site, dimentional KA , essential math KA, earlybird kindergarten , according to you Which is better,And is teacher guide required for kindergartner?thanks in advance

[@sciencemama]

I'm not sure which is better because I really haven't looked through the other two, but I am really enjoying Dimensions KA with my daughter right now! Actually I would say the teachers guide is very useful ... it gives strategies for teaching concepts as well as all the group activities and extension activity ideas.

[@azmathfarzana1654]

Science Mama thank you ♥️

[@strangersonaplain6702]

This is very helpful. I think I am going to get this for my son.

[@sciencemama]

Strangers on a Plain I’m glad it was helpful 😊

[@rushikakumararatne1776]

Hi, are you moving to Singapore Primary after Dimensions KA/KB? I feel like I heard you say that but can't find it :). If so, may I ask why? We are getting through KB and I was planning on going to Dimensions 1A next - but would love to hear your reasoning.

[@sciencemama]

Hi! Yes, we actually just made the switch because I felt it was best for finish out KB before switching. I love the Singapore approach to math, so I would go back to dimensions if primary doesn’t fit. My main reason for switching was because of all the group activities- dimensions is written more for a classroom and primary more for a homeschool. I was having to adjust things on the fly and so I ended up skipping a lot of things in dimensions 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@rushikakumararatne1776]

@@sciencemama thanks. That makes sense. Adapting is annoying.. but I do love the colors! Looking forward to hearing what you think about Primary. We are Covid schooling ;), so I will likely just stick with dimensions and get through 1A.. I doubt we can do much more..

[@nextchapterhomeschool]

@@sciencemama I believe they are coming out with Dimensions home instructor guides (like they have for Primary) in the near future, starting with 1A. I'm hoping that will make Dimensions much more user friendly for us homeschoolers :)

[@libbyandbrianbundrick3270]

Thanks for doing this, it was really helpful to see inside!

[@sciencemama]

Libby and Brian Bundrick I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@vsim1316]

Where do you find answer keys for their workbook?

[@sciencemama]

I'm pretty sure the answers are in the teacher's guide, within the section being taught (not the back of the book), but I'm not really sure ... most of the KA/KB work was pretty intuitive for me.

[@desmadrozeandres2884]

Hey there, I have been using the Khan Academy site for my son since COVID. He is advanced in Math for his grade and COVID showed me how much. (he was finishing 2 weeks worth of math in 20 minutes) We will be schooling at home now and I was wondering if there was a placement test for The Dimensions program. He just finished 3rd grade but he is doing 4th and 5th grade math on Khan. Any suggestions? And would you recommend this programs for him?

[@sciencemama]

Desma Droze Andres I would highly recommend Singapore math for him since he sounds gifted at math - although I would recommend checking out all the versions just in case they would work better. I’m transitioning my 1st grader into Singapore Primary math, only because it looks a bit simpler to teach. I think there may be a placement test online but customer service might be a good way to go as well to chat with someone about the situation!

[@LilPrincessSparkle]

@@sciencemama Hi, what's the basic difference of Dimension math and Primary math for 1st grader?

[@sciencemama]

LilPrincessSparkle I believe the general layout of the content is similar but Dimensions is gear more towards a classroom with group activity ideas, etc. I know primary doesn’t have group activities but we haven’t started using our yet so I’m not as clear on the details. Hope that helps!!

[@LilPrincessSparkle]

Science Mama Thank you for this!

[@isashar7949]

Thank you. Such a lovely review

[@sciencemama]

You're very welcome - I'm glad it was helpful!

[@gigibelli]

Hello! Thank you so much for this video! It was really helpful to see a little bit more into these materials! My son is completing a Kindergarten curriculum this year that seems to cover a lot of the same topics. However, the methods seem slightly different (ie: number bonds). Do you think having gone through KB that it is better for me to start him at KB rather than moving to the 1st grade level? I realize this may be a question for Singapore themselves, but just thought I'd put it out there. Thanks!

[@sciencemama]

gigibelli I’m glad you found it helpful! We just started number bonds today, so I’m not really sure yet. Yeah it would probably be better to chat with Singapore, I’m sure they get that question all the time!

[@maheanjum2611]

Ma'am please full flip through text book

[@rebecavillanueva702]

Thank you for making this video!

[@sciencemama]

You're very welcome!

[@shiraleeana]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@sciencemama]

You're welcome!

[@jorobert19]

Thanks for this! I was researching Singapore Math Primary 1A & 1B for Kindergarten. Can I use Dimensions as a back up just in case my Kindergartner is not into the Primary? By the way, my OCD is killing me. "Singapore" (not Sinapore) is a City State in South East Asia, the region that I come from. If we're all using their World renowned Math curriculum, at least lets pronounce their name correctly. :)

[@sciencemama]

JR I haven’t looked into 1A/1B much but I know the scope and sequence is pretty similar throughout all the Singapore programs. I do know how it is pronounced. I’ve always had a tough time enunciating -ng words ever since I was a kid. If I really focus I can do it but I can’t do that as well as think clearly about the content. So I’m sorry if it was annoying.

[@jorobert19]

@@sciencemama Thank you for your reply, and I apologize for assuming that you're one of those people who purposely misspell or mispronouce just to sound different. I was also looking at their other Kindergarten curriculums last night, eg Essential Math for K, Early bird Kindergarten Common Core Edition and Dimensions Math for PK-K. Did you use any of these wirh your child? Would love to see you do a comparison review on these. I also read somewhere that Primary Maths 1 and Dimensions Math 1 are for kids aged 7-8. (That's the age children start school in that region) My son is 5 and we're here in US. Wondering whether I should go with their Dimension K maths rather than Primary/Dimension 1A Math.🤔

[@sciencemama]

JR No worries - it’s unfortunate that people do mispronounce words on purpose! I haven’t personally used any of the early bird or preK programs ... but I do know that Singapore math is well known for being advance - or at least getting hard quickly! It probably depends on your son - has he had much math exposure yet?

[@jorobert19]

@@sciencemama Not much. Just the basics as he went to preschool.

[@sciencemama]

JR I really liked the Dimensions KA/KB for my son lasted year - I’m planning to move him to primary 1A this year. But I’m doing KA/B with his sister and she just turned 5 in June!